Soliciting feedback from customers often seems like a daunting task. However, Zack Oates and his team at Ovation have cracked the code with a proven strategy that not only encourages guest feedback, but also establishes a personal connection for exceptional results.Zack Oates and the guest feedback platform Ovation have taken a radically different approach to hearing from customers, which stems…
While social media has only been around for a few decades, it has transformed the world in numerous ways, from expanding the reach and effectiveness of small businesses to driving major cultural and geopolitical changes. It's no secret that social media is one of the most engaging and effective ways…
When my wife, Maria Baradell, posted Instagram and TikTok videos of herself kneading sourdough on an international flight, I knew it had the potential to capture attention. It was quirky, visually interesting and relatable — all the ingredients of a social media hit. What I didn't expect was how quickly…
If there's one thing I've learned from running businesses in incredibly competitive spaces, it's this: Standing out is non-negotiable. Success isn't handed to you; it's earned through smart strategies and unique value. Marketing can be one of the hardest things to do when launching a new business but it can…
Most people watch The Wizard of Oz for its whimsical characters and fantastical setting, but for Jeff Shardell, founder and CEO of Humble Brands, the real highlight was the tornado scene. As a child, Shardell described himself as "one of those weird kids who always loved thunderstorms.""Most people would run…
Global survey respondents indicated that Gen Z (40%) and millennials (41%) are more optimistic about their entrepreneurial pursuits and are significantly more likely to engage in side hustles or run small businesses compared to Gen X (31%) and baby boomers (19%). However, despite their drive, most of these young underserved…
I travel a lot for my job, and although there are many downsides to being on the road, there is one significant benefit: it gives me time to think.When you travel — particularly when you're solo, as I oftentimes am — you have a lot of time to think. In…
Over two decades ago, I learned one of the most valuable lessons of my career. As an investment banker, I advised a seasoned CEO to hold off on investing in a growing company. Shortly after, the company's stock price surged. Embarrassed, I called the CEO to deliver the news, expecting…
In the age of artificial intelligence (AI), data centers are no longer just physical structures housing servers — they are the backbone of an increasingly connected, intelligent world. As a branding expert, I see this transformation as not just a technical evolution but a pivotal opportunity for businesses to align…
Human Design is a personal assessment and tool leaders can use to understand themselves and their team better.In human design, the "profile" offers insights into one's personality strengths and weaknesses. In business, your profile can affect how you communicate with others, perceive the world and showcase the qualities that set…
Signature sneakers have been a cornerstone of the basketball business since Michael Jordan signed with Nike in 1984. As the saying goes, everybody wants to 'Be Like Mike.' But the shoe game has come a long way since Nike willingly paid MJ's fines for wearing Air Jordans in "unapproved colors."Turn…
In a declining economy, startups face an uphill battle when it comes to securing funding.…
With all of the recent news about artificial intelligence (AI), it got me thinking about…
A while back, I took a couple of my grandchildren on a tour of the…
Startups face numerous challenges on their journey to success, and failing to overcome any one…
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